Gutek Ch. 16 - China

Within this summary of China's educational system, the reading mentions the importance of student rankings and the maintenance of one's public persona, or "face," within China's secondary school institutions. One such way these rankings and public personas are developed is through various school leadership elections. Once students are organized into groups, called ban, they have the opportunity to elect leaders to whom they give specific responsibilities, such as the study monitor, propaganda representative, arts and entertainment leader, and the supervisor for cleaning. I found this particular point interesting because it reminded me of a documentary I've seen called, "Please Vote for Me." It follows the election of class monitor in a primary school located in central China. The focus is on three students as they prepare for speeches, debates, and musical performances - three events upon which their fellow classmates will base their votes. Along the way you see just how important these positions are to these students, all only 8 years old. As they go home to their parents, who act as political advisors throughout this process, the students face constant criticism as they're taught strategy against their opponents, and coached to memorize their speeches. The campaign begins to take its toll on these children as seen through the recurring tears and outbursts. I think the obvious emotional impact the election takes on the students is evidence of the importance that the school systems place on high rankings, which the reading suggests. As the schools encourage a system of rankings, based on a Confucianist hierarchical model, students are taught to constantly keep their public persona in mind and to be at the top. While failing their university admission examinations basically leaves them with no future, to be anything less than the best is simply not an option for these students.